Markit: RussiaТs Services PMI rises to 56.5 points in February

MOSCOW, Mar 5 (PRIME) -- RussiaТs Services Purchasing ManagersТ Index (PMI) rose to 56.5 in February from 55.1 in January, researcher IHS Markit said in a report on Monday.

УFebruary survey data signaled a steep and accelerated expansion in business activity across the Russian service sector. Greater client demand was also reflected in a quicker rise in new orders, the strongest seen since last November,Ф the statement read.

IHS Markit also said that in response to increased output requirements, service sector firms expanded their workforces at the fastest rate since December 2012. Business confidence remained robust, with the degree of optimism the second highest since July 2011 in the period.

УAn improvement in demand conditions also drove a further rise in new business received by Russian service providers. February data indicated a sharp increase in new orders, the fastest for three months.Ф

The IHS Markit Russia Composite Output Index, covering both manufacturing and services, also increased to 55.2 in February as compared with 54.8 in January.